Biography

Brian Doherty is best known for his work as a world-class rock 'n' roll drummer. Having performed in some of the most challenging situations and with some of the most unique bands in the industry, he is the first drummer to record and tour with They Might Be Giants. Doherty is also one of a few to ever record with British supergroup XTC. Brian has also worked with Freedy Johnston, The Silos, Lonnie Liston Smith, Orleans, Jonathan Butler, Noel Pointer, The Candy Butchers, Frank Black, Ben Folds, Lonnie Liston Smith, Twyla Tharp, Carla Werner, Jon Langford, and M2M among many others. Brian also appears on the latest recordings of blues legend Guy Davis, Van Morrison guitarist John Platania, and Sparklehorse singer Sol Seppy.

Born in Brooklyn New York, Brian Doherty began seriously playing drums at the age of seven. Growing up in the badlands of New Jersey, he paid his dues by playing at parties and in pubs. In the early days of his career, Doherty spent time weaving in and out of day jobs to make ends meet between gigs. He was even a classroom teacher in The South Bronx. Then there were the endless auditions and the very close calls with mega groups like R.E.M., Ani DiFranco, The B-52s, and The The. Doherty looks on the bright side mentioning that R.E.M. did not hold open auditions when drummer Bill Berry left. Brian was one of only three drummers invited to Athens, GA to audition.

After receiving a Masters Degree from The Manhattan School of Music, Brian immediately launched his career when he began touring with Jonathan Butler (opening for Whitney Houston) and with jazz pioneers like Noel Pointer and Lonnie Liston Smith.